Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai is a delightful Malaysian fried rice dish that combines the umami flavors of ikan bilis and the unique taste of petai. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold and aromatic flavors, making it a favorite among many.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Ikan bilis are dried anchovies that add a salty, umami flavor to the dish. Petai, also known as stink beans, have a distinctive taste and aroma that might be unfamiliar to some. Both of these ingredients can typically be found in Asian supermarkets.

Ingredients For Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai
Cooked rice: Pre-cooked rice that is cooled, ideal for frying.
Ikan bilis: Dried anchovies that are cleaned and fried until crispy.
Petai: Also known as stink beans, halved for this recipe.
Oil: Used for frying the ingredients.
Garlic: Minced to add a fragrant aroma to the dish.
Sambal: A spicy chili paste that adds heat and flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami taste to the fried rice.
Salt: Used to season the dish to taste.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing fried ikan bilis, ensure they are crispy by frying them in hot oil until golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch to the Nasi Goreng. Additionally, when adding sambal, make sure to fry it thoroughly to release its full flavor and aroma, which will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a good source of protein and fiber.
ikan bilis (dried anchovies) - Substitute with dried shrimp: Dried shrimp offers a similar umami flavor and crunchy texture.
petai (stink beans) - Substitute with edamame: Edamame has a similar texture and can provide a mild, nutty flavor.
oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the dish.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the dish.
sambal - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar level of heat and tanginess.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with fish sauce: Fish sauce adds a deeper umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
Transfer the cooled nasi goreng into airtight containers. Use containers that are appropriately sized to minimize air space, which helps maintain freshness.
For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The nasi goreng will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
For long-term storage, consider freezing. Divide the nasi goreng into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the nasi goreng has been stored.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen nasi goreng in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the nasi goreng in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the nasi goreng in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Avoid reheating more than once. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality and safety of the nasi goreng.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add a splash of oil or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the leftover Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai to the pan.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the leftover Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai evenly in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.
Steaming Method:
- Place the leftover Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai in a heatproof dish.
- Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
- Place the dish in the steamer and cover with a lid.
- Steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for Cooking This Recipe
Wok: A deep, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.
Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok.
Knife: Essential for mincing garlic and halving petai.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cooked rice and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the sambal, soy sauce, and salt.
Garlic press: A handy tool for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished dish hot.
Bowl: Useful for holding the cleaned and fried ikan bilis before adding them to the wok.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Prep ingredients in advance: Clean and fry the ikan bilis and halve the petai ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers.
Use leftover rice: Day-old cooked rice works best for nasi goreng as it is less sticky and fries better.
Ready-made sambal: Use store-bought sambal to save time on making your own.
Minced garlic: Buy pre-minced garlic or mince a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick use.
One-pan cooking: Use a large wok to cook everything in one go, reducing the need for multiple pans and cleanup time.

Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Petai
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Rice
- 1 cup Ikan Bilis (Dried Anchovies) cleaned and fried
- 1 cup Petai (Stink Beans) halved
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Sambal
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and fry until fragrant.
- Add sambal and fry for another minute.
- Add cooked rice, petai, and fried ikan bilis. Stir well.
- Season with soy sauce and salt. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Nasi Goreng Tom Yam Recipe (Tom Yam Flavoured Fried Rice)35 Minutes
- Sweet Potato Balls Recipe45 Minutes
- Peanut Puffs Recipe35 Minutes
- Mee Goreng Recipe30 Minutes
- Calamansi Recipe10 Minutes
- Nasi Kunyit Recipe (Turmeric Glutinous Rice)1 Hours
- Malaysian Spice Blend Recipe10 Minutes
- Sambal Sotong Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply